Ganassi examining options for 2019; Busch rumored to replace McMurray

UPDATE: Kurt Busch has talked to several teams about driving for them next season, but the 2004 NASCAR Cup Series champion said Friday night he has not signed any deal for 2019.

Stewart-Haas Racing co-owner Gene Haas wouldn't rule out Busch returning to the team, but he indicated Friday it is up in the air whether Busch and sponsor Monster Energy return to the organization.

Motorsport.com reported, citing sources, that Busch would leave SHR with Monster Energy next year and he is expected to replace Jamie McMurray at Chip Ganassi Racing.

"I'm talking to a bunch of teams out there," Busch said after qualifying Friday at Michigan International Speedway. "There's nothing that's been signed and whatever has been reported is all hearsay."

Mitch Covington, a Monster Energy vice president who oversees the brand's sports marketing efforts including the partial-season primary sponsorship of Busch at SHR, declined to comment on its 2019 plans or confirm that the company would switch teams.

"There's a possibility of that [Busch will stay]," Haas said Friday night. "I don't really have any comment because I haven't seen anything one way or the other."

A Chip Ganassi Racing spokesman had no comment.

"I don't talk about contracts," McMurray said Friday when asked about the report. "I just don't discuss any of that kind of stuff."